Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

This is a traveler’s dream journey: exploring the Nile by dahabiya , a traditional two-masted Nile sailing yacht that hosts just 10 guests. With our expert Egyptologist, we sail the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, discovering stunning pharaonic monuments including Nile-side Kom Ombo, with its crocodile motif, and Nekbet, abode of the vulture goddess. We’ll also bring you to fascinating out-of-the-way sites where bigger vessels can’t go, including peaceful Nile villages with a timeless In the Wake of Cleopatra SAILING TO THE TEMPLES OF THE NILE

way of life. The breathtaking royal tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, awe-inspiring Abu Simbel, the romantic ambiance of our private sailing vessel— they’re all on our unique odyssey amid the eternal wonder that is ancient Egypt. Days 1-3 Great Pyramids / Sphinx / Luxor / Karnak Temple We marvel at the Great Pyramids at Giza as well as the inscrutable Sphinx, carved from the bedrock of the Giza Plateau. Flying to Luxor, we visit stupendous Karnak, with its forest of stone columns, and the graceful Luxor temple. Days 4-8 Valley of the Kings / Sailing the Nile / Aswan After exploring the Valley of the Kings, including the grand Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which merges with the sheer limestone cliffs as if nature herself had built it, we embark aboard our dahabiya and settle into our air-conditioned cabins. Our sailboat gives us access to lesser-known sites such as El-Kaab, home of Nekbet, the vulture goddess of Upper Egypt, along with famed

CHARLES TOMALIN

Nile-side temples including mammoth Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus who served as the protector and patron of the pharaoh. Along the way, we enjoy a candlelit barbecue at Maniha Island, and one evening, we moor at Cobania Island for a visit with local villagers. Our river journey concludes with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, an exploration of romantic Philae Temple—a pilgrimage site for thousands of years—and a walk through Aswan’s outdoor market. Days 9-10 Abu Simbel We disembark and fly to Abu Simbel to see the colossal Nile-side temples of Ramses, carved into cliff faces in the 12th century BC and still radiating power across the landscape. Depart on Day 10 via Cairo, or join one of our trip extensions.

HIGHLIGHTS • Sail aboard the Lazuli III , a traditional Nile sailing vessel, complete with air- conditioned cabins and en suite facilities • Experience Egypt in-depth with the cultural insights of our superb Egyptologist guide • Discover magnificent temples from Luxor to Aswan, and see the great temple of Ramses at Abu Simbel • Explore special temple sites that larger boats can’t visit DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Cairo • 4 nights 5-star hotels, 5 nights aboard

Our Nile journey by traditional sailboat brings you into the heart of the ancient world of the pharaohs. PHOTO: PATRICK FRILET

yacht with air-conditioned cabins • All meals included except 1 dinner

DATES Feb 8-17, 2018 Oct 11-20

TRIP COST $5695 (8-10 members) $6195 (6-7 members)

Single supplement: $460 (hotels only) Single supplement: $690 (boat only, limited availability) Internal airfare: $560 (subject to change) Lazuli III Suite cabin upgrade: $500 Jordan: Petra and Wadi Rum extension: from $2895 Alexandria extension: from $990

TRIP LEVEL 1 + 2 3 4 5 6 7 Cultural exploration and walking tours

DAN HELLER

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL AFRICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 34